Forestry Ziarat

Introduction

Ziarat has the distinction of having the second largest area of juniper forests in the world. Its total forest area is 51,335 hectares which is 54% of the district's total geographical area.

Juniper forest

Forestry Reserve (state forests)

A division of the forest area into reserve forests, state forests, and range land is not available. The Forest Department officers were not available when visited to obtained the required data. The area of state forest is, however, unofficially reported to be small. The juniper forest is a protected area.

Commercial Forestry

Commercial forestry is not found in this district, largely due to the fact that juniper trees are a protected species.

Major Vegetation

Juniper is the major species of trees. The other major species are: Wild Ash; Wild Almond; Olea species; Khujak.

Juniper trees

Cutting/Marketing/Processing

Trees can be cut only under license issued by the Forest Department. The licensees are private entrepreneurs who are closely supervised by the Forest Department's officials while tree harvesting is in progress. The forests seem to be well protected and the law on tree harvesting is strictly enforced, although still some illegal woodcutting is reported.

Department of Forest

The district forests are looked after by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) who is based in Ziarat town. He is assisted by officers, forest guards, and other staff, totalling 126 persons. The Forest Department has prepared a project named "Conservation and Management of Juniper Forest". The project concerns Ziarat, Choutani (Loralai district) and Shahrug (Sibi District). The major components of the project areas provided in the project proposal; "diagnostic survey and preparation of the (forest) management plan; zoning of forest; raising of forest nursery to produce planting stock; organization of community and formulation of social groups; mass awareness for public education; control of mistletoe disease; block afforestation and planting along stream beds and community orchards; social and conservation works through check dams, trenches etc.; development of springs, streams, and other water resources; impart training to the staff; and provide job opportunities. The juniper areas will be divided into the following zones.

Zone-A

About 1,500 ha, which would include the best forest, will be fenced and strictly protected as heritage for future generations.

Zone-B

About 1,000 ha around Ziarat town to ensure greenery.

Zone-C

About 10,000 ha of second best forest where villagers can collect fuel wood and grass.

Zone-D

About 37,500 ha will be earmarked for grazing management.

The above mentioned proposed project is a continuation of the on-going work for forest development. The forest department seems to have achieved a good deal of awareness among the masses about the importance of forest conservation. The department seems to be doing well generally speaking, but the task confronting it is huge and challenging.

Wild Life

The wild life reported in the district comprises: Suleman Markhor, Chakoor, Seesee, wolf, rabbit etc. In order to protect the wildlife several areas have been declared wildlife reserves. Enforcement of laws on wildlife is generally satisfactory.

Bee-keeping

Bee keepers from the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) come to Ziarat district with their bee boxes when the fruit trees are in blossom. They stay here for two or three months and then move to other places. No information is available about local bee keepers. On many picnic spots pure honey is sold to tourists.

GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Forestry Development

Conclusion and major Development Issues

In the past the district has experienced large scale deforestation, mostly in the areas close to the roads. This process has, however, been stopped to a large extent. The Forest Department seems to be doing well in respect of protection of forest, afforestation, and other activities. What is particularly worth mentioning is the increasing awareness among the masses about the need to protect the district forests. The on-going and proposed future projects for forestry development take due care of the issues of deforestation, overgrazing, tree diseases etc.

But that does not mean that there is no development issue in this sector. While resources for development are essential, it is felt that the efficiency and discipline in the Forest Department still has a lot of scope for improvement. People’s participation in forest development should be increased.

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